Protesters to demonstrate against power plan

A coalition of renewable energy and environmental groups plan to protest Monday against Public Service Company of New Mexico’s plan for replacing power at a coal-fired plant, as a ten-day hearing on the issue begins at the Public Regulation Commission.

The protesters don’t believe PNM’s proposal to replace coal-generated power at the San Juan Generating Station with a combination of nuclear, coal, natural gas and solar is the most affordable for customers or the best option for the environment.

PNM officials disagree and say they’ve run hundreds of models to find the best combination for replacing power at the generating station for decades into the future.

State regulators still have to weigh in on the power-replacement plan and a separate rate case filed by PNM to pay for it.

Monday’s protest is supported by Santa Fe-based New Energy Economy, Earth Care, Positive Energy Solar and many other groups.